Functional and Radiological Outcome of Distal Radius Fractures Treated by Volar Locking Plating

ACT: Objective: To evaluate radiological and functional outcome in fractures of the distal radius treated with internal fixation by applying volar locking plate. Material and Methods: Twenty seven patients (10 males, 17 females) with different types of fractures of distal radius were treated. Open reduction and Internal fixation was performed by applying volar locking plate. Anatomical restoration was evaluated by postero-anterior and lateral radiographs obtained preoperatively and at 09 months of follow up to evaluate Radial Height (RH), Radial Inclination (RI) and Volar Tilt (VT). Functional outcome was evaluated using Mayo scoring system. Results: Out of 27 patients, 5 had type A, 9 had type B and 13 had type C fractures (AO classification). Average procedure time was 45 minutes. According to Mayo score, 81.5% (n=22) of our patients had excellent to good outcome while as 18.5% (n=5) had fair outcome. Conclusion: Volar plating for fracture distal end rdius reduces complications and decreases chances of re-displacement and malunion leading to better outcome. So in our opinion, volar plating for treatment of fracture distal end radius is an acceptable method with excellent outcomes.